This edition was prepared by David Fraser — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I sing the birth
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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I sing the birth by Edward Elgar — Lyrics
1. I sing the birth was born tonight,
The author both of life and light;
The angels so did sound it.
And like the ravish'd shepherds said,
Who saw the light, and were afraid,
Yet search'd, and true they found it.
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About I sing the birth
This setting of an anonymous 17th-century text for SATB choir opens with a joyous declaration of Christ's birth. The music reflects the text's early lines about the angels' announcement and the shepherds' amazement, building in intensity. As the text shifts to the divine nature of the newborn King, the harmonic language becomes richer, supporting the profound theological statements. Elgar's setting captures the wonder and majesty of the Nativity, with the voices weaving together to express both the humility of the manger and the glory of the eternal Son of God. The English lyrics convey a powerful message of salvation and redemption through the incarnation.
